The 2025 MEVZA U16 Zonal Qualifiers for both women and men officially kicked off today, featuring high-energy matches and impressive performances. These tournaments serve as a gateway to the European Championship, with the winners earning a direct spot in the Final Round, while the next six best teams will advance to the 2nd round.
Men’s Tournament in Maribor, Slovenia
The first day of the men’s tournament delivered excitement!
- Hungary (HUN) vs. Czech Republic (CZE): 2:3 (25-22, 13-25, 18-25, 25-22, 7-15)
The opening match showcased a five-set battle where the Czech Republic triumphed over Hungary. After losing the first set (25-22), the Czechs rallied to win the next two sets (13-25, 18-25). Hungary fought back to level the score in the fourth set (25-22), but the Czechs secured victory in the final set with a decisive 7-15. - Croatia (CRO) vs. Israel (ISR): 2:3 (26-24, 21-25, 15-25, 26-24, 16-18)
Another five-set thriller saw Israel edge out Croatia. The Croatian team took the first set (26-24) but stumbled in the second and third sets (21-25, 15-25). A determined performance in the fourth set (26-24) pushed the match to a fifth set, where Israel narrowly prevailed (16-18).
- Slovakia (SVK) vs. Austria (AUT): 3:2 (25-18, 23-25, 25-22, 22-25, 15-12)
Slovakia showcased both skill and resilience against Austria in another five-set thriller. Slovakia’s strong start in the opening set was met with Austria’s determined comeback. The match remained evenly poised until the final set, where Slovakia’s composed performance under pressure sealed the win. - Cyprus (CYP) vs. Slovenia (SLO): 3:1 (18-25, 26-24, 26-24, 25-22)
Cyprus stunned the home favorites, Slovenia, in an intense four-set match. After losing the first set, Cyprus rallied back with incredible composure to take the next three sets, much to the disappointment of the Slovenian crowd.
Women’s Tournament in Zadar, Croatia
The women’s tournament also began with four completed matches!
- Czech Republic (CZE) vs. Slovakia (SVK): 3:1 (25-18, 25-13, 20-25, 25-17)
The Czech team started strong, winning the first two sets convincingly (25-18, 25-13). Although Slovakia managed to take the third set (20-25), the Czechs regained control to seal the win in the fourth set (25-17). - Austria (AUT) vs. Slovenia (SLO): 1:3 (15-25, 22-25, 30-28, 23-25)
Slovenia displayed dominance in their opener, securing a 3-1 victory. They took the first two sets comfortably (15-25, 22-25), faced resistance in the third set (30-28), but closed the match with a tight fourth set win (23-25).
- Cyprus (CYP) vs. Croatia (CRO): 0:3 (11-25, 14-25, 16-25)
Hosts Croatia delivered a commanding performance against Cyprus, dominating from start to finish. Strong serves, quick transitions, and consistent attacking left Cyprus unable to gain a foothold in the match. - Israel (ISR) vs. Hungary (HUN): 0:3 (18-25, 13-25, 14-25)
Hungary delivered a clinical performance against Israel, taking control early in each set and never looking back. Their aggressive serves and cohesive teamwork made the difference.
Both the men’s and women’s competitions hold high stakes as teams compete for a coveted spot in the European Championship Final Round. With fierce competition and promising young talent on display, the coming days are set to deliver more thrilling matches and memorable moments.
